Speak out: Why I’m rooting for the Miami Heat

SINCE the end of the Michael Jordan era in Chicago, I’ve never had another personal favorite team reach the NBA Finals. My Sacramento Kings came close in 2002 while my Minnesota Timberwolves, having missed the playoffs for the 10th straight year, were nowhere near.

I have basically always been on the outside-looking-in at this junction of the season; however, for fun and thrill’s sake, I always try to choose between the two teams that are still left standing.

Miami Heat? San Antonio Spurs? This year, I think I’m going to go with the guys from South Beach. Why?

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First of all, Erik Spoelstra. Miami’s head coach is a Filipino-American and he is proud of it and I’d want a fellow countryman winning a rare three-peat. He has handled this loaded squad remarkably. I don’t think it is mere coincidence that the Heat are in their fourth straight finals appearance in also his fourth year at the helm.

Yes, it could be argued that his job is made easier because of well—LeBron James—but still you have to give due credit to the man on the sidelines who has exploited his superstar’s athleticism and unselfishness.

Another thing which makes me a bit partial to the Heat is my annoyance with some haters who can’t really establish why they hate Miami. Probably the most claimed reason among them is that they don’t like how LBJ, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh joined forces and ensured multiple championships but hey, you can’t really blame these guys for wanting to win just as you can’t blame bandwagon fans (one of their other reasons) for wanting to cheer for winners. You can hate, but you have to have better arguments than the overused bitterness over “The Decision” or Bron’s receding hairline.

Lastly and I’ve said this before after their finals loss a season ago, the San Antonio Spurs have nothing to prove anymore. They have already earned everything including, and most importantly, the respect of everyone around the league. Miami has a whole lot more to lose.

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